THE WEEK IN East Bristol & North East Somerset
12th October 2022
Issue 751
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Read by more than 40,000 people each week
Shock closure of community centre The Batch Community Centre in Cadbury Heath has
for activities, functions and events.
closed after the management committee handed back the
It is understood that the closure has been blamed
keys to South Gloucestershire Council.
on the cost-of-living crisis and operational
The centre in Coronation Park includes the local youth club
difficulties.
run by Creative Youth Network (CYN).
One of the front doors has been boarded up after
Writing on The Batch’s Facebook page last week, someone
what is understood to have been a vandalism
who had a party booked for her daughter last weekend said that
attack.
when she had gone along to finalise plans, she had been
The council has confirmed to The Week In that
shocked to find it had closed as she had received no
it has taken back management of The Batch as
communication.
the organisation previously managing the
She said that South Gloucestershire Council had confirmed to
facilities (BICSA) had ended their tenure. A
her that the centre had closed and that it was unable to refund
council spokesperson said: “We are currently
BICSA need to be resolved with them as they go through the
the £120 she had paid.
going through a process to identify a new management
formal process of ending their operation. No monies paid for
The building, which opened in 2015, is owned by the council
organisation and as part of that we are meeting with Oldland
party bookings, for example, comes to the council and we have
and was run by Banjo Island Community and Sports
Parish Council.
reiterated to BICSA that they need to settle any outstanding
Association (BICSA). It includes a café, bar, large hall and
“We have also been approached by other parties interested in
issues with hirers promptly.”
several rooms and was built to be the hub of the community
taking on the facilities and who have presented a business case
CYN have been delivering youth work in Cadbury Heath since
to take it forward. We will discuss options with any suitable
2019, when South Gloucestershire Council commissioned
local group who can demonstrate how they would manage the
them to take over the delivery of youth work at The Batch.
building for the benefit of the local community.
Hannah Panes, head of South Gloucestershire Youth Services
“While the building remains closed, the council is undertaking
at CYN, said: “We are saddened that The Batch Community
some repair work and security improvements. We are
Centre is unfortunately having to close; however, we
committed to ensuring that The Batch reopens and is run
understand the challenges of managing a building in the current
locally for the benefit of the local community as soon as
climate with the cost of living crisis only increasing this. We
possible. As soon as we have secured a new managing tenant,
are working closely with colleagues in South Gloucestershire
we look forward to being able to announce this and hand over
Council to find a resolution and are committed to ensuring
day-to-day management to them.
young people have access to trusted youth workers at their
“Any bookings made for use of The Batch by individuals with
essential safe space at The Batch Youth Centre.
The Batch is closed
“CYN are still here to support the young people of Cadbury Heath, through detached sessions, engaging with young people in the community and offering some one-to-one support.”
Also in this week’s issue
New Lyde Green facilities approved despite parking concerns . . . page 3
Retirement homes proposed for old school site in Staple Hill . . . page 4
Green light recommended for Taylor Wimpey homes on Keynsham fields . . . page 5
Spotlight on Keynsham Eco Festival . . . page 11
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The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
New Lyde Green facilities approved despite parking concerns Plans for a restaurant, micropub and three shops on a plot of land opposite the Sainsbury’s Local store in Lyde Green have been approved despite concerns about parking. Last Thursday South Gloucestershire Council’s strategic sites delivery committee considered the planning application for land on the corner of Thistle Close and Willowherb Road which had originally been earmarked for a health centre. But instead funding was allocated to Emersons Green Medical Centre for improved facilities to help cope with the influx of patients from the expanding estate on the other side of the A4174 Ring Road. The plot of land is the last site to be developed at the local centre where there is already a community centre, primary school, nursery and the Sainsbury’s Local. Vehicle access to the site will be via Thistle Close and there will be pedestrian and cycle access from Willowherb Road. Fourteen parking spaces will be provided. The pub and restaurant will be set back from Willowherb Road behind outdoor customer seating areas. The three retail units will face Thistle Close. The proposed layout was
amended to respect people living nearby and to preserve the ancient hedgerow on Howsmoor Lane that borders the site. The council does not have minimum or maximum standards for parking for commercial uses so each case is assessed on its merits. The report to the committee acknowledged that nuisance as a result of inconsiderate parking could not be controlled. Although there has been support locally for the new facilities some residents have flagged up that the convenience store already results in bad parking and rowdy behaviour, and the site was meant to be a surgery or health centre, not a pub. The report to the committee notes: “The masterplan originally identified the site as a potential location for a health centre but due to changes to the NHS’s own delivery plans, they no longer require the site.” Cllr June Bamford was one of the committee members concerned that parking was not adequate although she said
she would vote for the scheme. She noted that yellow lines had just gone down in Thistle Close but said that would only push the parking problem elsewhere. Planning committee chair Cllr Colin Hunt, whose ward includes Lyde Green, said: “I am between a rock and a hard place because I really, really want to see the facilities supplied at Lyde Green. It desperately needs it and the residents desperately want it.” He said he would vote for it but the problems of parking and deliveries had not been adequately addressed. Seven councillors voted for it and two abstained.
Violence breaks out in Kingswood town centre Part of Kingswood town centre was closed on Saturday afternoon after violence broke out in Regent Street. Avon & Somerset Police said: “Officers were called at 1.20pm on Saturday. Witnesses reported an incident involving two BMW cars, which led to one of the vehicles colliding into a shop front. “A physical altercation between the occupants followed, involving the use of a
weapon. Officers attended and arrested three men.” Two of the men were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. CCTV enquiries were being carried out and anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is asked to call 101 and give the reference number 5222242432.
Crime tape around a silver BMW as a black BMW is taken away
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
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Plans for retirement homes on old school site Plans to build a block of 42 retirement apartments on the site of the former infant school in Page Road, Staple Hill, have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. The application has been lodged by Churchill Retirement Living who are proposing a mix of one and two-bed apartments at what they say is a “highly sustainable location”. The block is larger than the school, which was demolished in 2019, and will be three storeys with a set-back fourth storey. The planning application says the building will be a mix of traditional and contemporary, with buff and brown brick, natural cast stone banding and cream render. A total of 14 parking spaces are proposed,
with Churchill saying that based on parking demand research, 12 would actually be enough to serve the development. A mobility scooter charging and storage area is also proposed. Churchill’s website says they have acquired this site for a proposed collection of one and two-bedroom retirement apartments: “Located directly off Staple Hill High Street, the development is centrally located for the town’s High Street shops, charming cafés and other amenities.” There are Churchill retirement apartments in Fishponds (New Pooles Lodge) and at Trewin Lodge and Trewin Mews in Yate. The planning reference is P22/05589/F. People can comment by 2nd November.
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The site in Page Road with an artist’s impression below
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THE WEEK IN Barrs Court, Bitton, Brislington, Cadbury Heath, Compton Dando, Corston, Downend, Emersons Green, Fishponds, Hanham, Hillfields, Keynsham, Kingswood, Longwell Green, Mangotsfield, Marksbury, North Common, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Saltford, Staple Hill, Stockwood, St George, Warmley, Whitchurch, Wick, Willsbridge. 16,000 copies are distributed through retail outlets, libraries, pubs, community centres each week. Verified pick-up rate of 97%.
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The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
Controversial plans for 70 homes are recommended for approval Taylor Wimpey’s controversial plans to build 70 homes on agricultural fields east of Minsmere Road in Keynsham are being recommended for approval. The outline planning application will be decided by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee next Wednesday (19th October).
Local historian dies Ian Bishop, local historian and author of such books as Around Bitton and Around Oldland, has died. Mike Gates, secretary of Bitton Parish History Group, said: “He wrote delightful books, illuminated with a wonderful collection of local photos. Ian was very generous to the history group in providing talks and sharing his photos with us. He will be sadly missed but leaves behind a treasure of information on our local history which will hopefully continue to enthuse future generations.” David Noble, who has also written local history books, said: “Ian had a real passion for local history and particularly Oldland, Bitton and the nearby surrounding areas. A real fount of knowledge as his superb books show.”
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
The eight-acre site is designated as ‘safeguarded’ land by the council, meaning that planning permission for development will be granted only following a review of the council’s Local Plan. The council is in the process of updating the Local Plan and the principle of development for 70 homes is in accordance with emerging policy. More than 250 objections to the application have been received, with many concerned about the impacts of the development upon congestion on the local road network. Keynsham Town Council, Saltford Parish Council and Saltford Environment Group have objected to the application with B&NES councillor for Keynsham East ward Andy Wait requesting it be decided by the planning committee. Countryside charity CPRE has said it fully endorses the comments made by Saltford Parish Council and Saltford Environmental Group about the need to delay major housing developments in the area until further improvements to the transport corridor are agreed, funded and constructed, which is unlikely for many years. It has also pointed out that the Government has made it clear that priority should be given to brownfield sites in preference to greenfield sites. B&NES Council has received two comments of support for the plans for the site which borders Crest Nicholson’s Hygge Park development and Manor Road Community Woodland
Local Nature Reserve. There would be a new vehicular and pedestrian access on to Minsmere Road. Public open space is included in the scheme. The report to the committee says that development would go against policies in B&NES Council’s current development plan but there are several significant considerations which weigh in its favour, including contribution towards housing supply, 30% affordable housing, and a significant package of developer obligations and contributions. Also said to be in favour is the site’s highly sustainable location and absence of Green Belt protection compared to nearly all other undeveloped land in this locality. The report says the provision of sustainable transport measures are broadly in line with the Sustainable Transport Strategy for Keynsham and would create the “headroom” to avoid a severe impact on the highway network. The proposals would apparently see a biodiversity net gain of up to 11.12%.
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Jacob Rees-Mogg happy for fracking in his back garden Rather than applying the old adage about digging when in a hole, North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg has drilled down even further on the issue of fracking. As we have reported in the last two issues of The Week In, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy announced the lifting of the moratorium on fracking imposed by Boris Johnson’s government in 2019.
Jacob ReesMogg
His reasoning was that people did not understand how the Richter Scale worked and that the current limit of magnitude for tremors set off by fracking was far too low. He also championed the extraction of shale gas as better for the country and the environment if we no longer needed to import gas from other countries. With several locations in our area previously identified has having potential, including Mr
Cllr Tim Ball
Rees-Mogg’s own constituency, it was not surprising that the question would be asked about whether he would support fracking in his own back garden. That’s what happened at a fringe meeting during the recent Conservative Party conference and his response was a resounding ‘yes’. The MP said: “Yes, of course I would. I’d be delighted, particularly if I get these royalties.” Whereas the Government has hitherto said that fracking would only occur in places where there was local support, Mr ReesMogg refused to be drawn on this point when making his announcement to the House on 22nd September. Instead he talked about financial compensation for communities where fracking took place. Back at the party conference, he went on to tell any residents affected by fracking: “You will be doing a public service by having it in your back garden, but you’ll also get paid for it. So both the country wins and you win.” He went on to repeat his assertion that the environment would actually be better off if it didn’t need to import liquified natural gas (which is produced from shale gas in the United States). In fact this was such a good idea that the only people against it were socialists and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. “My heart bleeds!” concluded the minister. Whether the residents of the Chew Valley or Kelston share his enthusiasm for exchanging areas of outstanding natural beauty for cash benefits will probably not be known until the next election. National newspapers which dispatched journalists the next day to West Harptree, where Rees-Mogg has a home, certainly found his neighbours would rather keep their back gardens intact, regardless of duty or cash incentives. But Bath & North East Somerset Council has already sided with the “socialists” or the “anti-growth coalition” as Prime Minister Liz Truss described them in her conference
Postal subscriptions for The Week In We would just like to remind readers who receive their copy of The Week In via postal subscription that delivery is likely to be disrupted due to industrial action. Postal workers have just commenced strikes on 19 days leading up to Christmas.
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Some of these stoppages last up to three working days at a time. We will continue to post out our copies to subscribers every Wednesday but please be aware that they may take far longer than usual to be delivered.
There have been previous bids to test drill for shale gas in the Mendips sparking fears about the impact on Bath’s famous hot springs
speech. B&NES Cabinet member for planning and licensing Tim Ball said the council had adopted a motion in 2018 to oppose fracking and would be writing to surrounding authorities and MPs to reaffirm its stance. Cllr Ball said: “The council has a statutory duty to protect the source of the hot springs in Bath. However, when added to the other environmental risks and impacts – and our commitment to the use of green technologies to help us achieve our net zero ambitions – the case against fracking in our own and neighbouring areas is clear and compelling.”
Meanwhile, Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore appears to have set himself at odds with the Prime Minister over the issue of fracking, not long after being tasked by Liz Truss to prepare a report on the country’s journey to net zero. In an interview with the Financial Times he urged investors to put their money into renewables, rather than fracking, citing the recent comments from former Cuadrilla (the first firm to drill in the UK) boss Chris Cornelius that geological issues in this country would limit the potential economic benefits (see our article of 23rd September at www.theweekin.co.uk).
Home in on new radio series Local radio station KTCR launches a new story series next week. In addition to its regular output of music and local news, the station has broadcast some very successful drama series since going on air in 2020. Next week’s Spoken Word programme sees the start of a rather unusual and true story. ‘We can make: the build’ is a fivepart broadcast following the extraordinary tale of John, a 55-year-old homeless man in Bristol, who goes on to build his own
house. Having lived in a shed in a yard full of engine parts, he jumped at the chance to take part in a revolutionary sustainable housing project in Knowle. You can follow John’s adventure in the Spoken Word Show on Mondays at 4pm, repeated on Wednesdays (2pm) and the following Sunday (3pm). You can also use the Listen Again feature on the website www.ktcrfm.com. KTCR broadcasts on 105.8fm
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
Councillor defends investment in Cadbury Heath after unease over crime A local councillor has defended the decision to spend £500,000 on a new park for Cadbury Heath after a local resident warned it would get wrecked. Plans are being drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council for the park on the old Warmley golf course to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The funding has been allocated to boost biodiversity and will also be a tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh who was passionate about nature. In a poll held over the summer, local people chose the site as the best location, above
Sam Bromiley
Banjo Island and Tarzan Park. But speaking at the local council-organised Community Engagement Forum meeting last Wednesday a local resident said: “This money could have been invested somewhere else. They are just going to destroy it round here. Has anybody actually come around this area to see what goes on? It’s rife with drug-dealing, motorbikes, you’ve got people being mugged at knifepoint in the local area…I’m really struggling to understand why you’ve done this.” He also said that part of the fence around the skatepark on the old golf course had been destroyed. Local councillor Sam Bromiley said that his co-ward councillor had grown up in Cadbury Heath and that he himself used to run a youth group there and now lives a two-minute walk away. He said: “I know the area extremely well. In terms that they will just wreck it, therefore we should not put anything nice there, that’s completely the wrong thing to say. Cadbury Heath is full of extraordinary people doing
The old golf course
extraordinary things - just look at Juice (Community Project), look at the One Church there. It’s an area we want to continue to improve, to invest in. “This park was going to go somewhere in South Gloucestershire - we fought hard for it to go in Cadbury Heath. We are bringing money and investment into Cadbury Heath, making it a nicer place to live.” Cllr Bromiley said the park designers are coming up with a scheme which is due to go public shortly: “I’m really excited, having seen a rough version, because they are going
to be taking into account a lot of the historical concerns about anti-social behaviour in that park, such as mopeds riding across.” He said there are currently numerous entrances and exits and the side by Brereton Way in particular is open, and the plan is to create a nice entrance way. As part of the project, there are plans to improve the fencing around the skatepark, he added. In 1915 Oldland parish had 15 orchards and currently has none. Part of the project is to recreate one next to Orchard Boulevard, Cllr Bromiley revealed.
Robberies being investigated In response to the knifepoint robbery mentioned at the forum, PC Phil Busvine told the meeting there had been a couple of robberies about a month ago on Banjo Island committed by “travelling criminals
that came from Keynsham and also hit out as far as Weston-super-Mare”. He added: “There are investigations going on and there will be successful prosecutions on the back of that.”
£895 5
Police car catches fire after collision which damages gas line A police car caught fire after a crash in Cadbury Heath last Thursday while officers were responding to an emergency. A gas line was damaged in the collision near the junction of Wesley Lane, Tower Road South and Mill Lane, and a property had to be evacuated. Avon & Somerset Police said on Thursday: “While responding to an emergency incident at around 5am this morning a police car and member of the public's car collided, causing the police car to hit a wall on Wesley Lane. “Firefighters also attended due to a fire involving the police car and a fence panel. As a precaution, people from one property
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The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
7
LETTERS Wetherspoon’s is at the heart of Hanham Dear Editor I was very upset to hear The Jolly Sailor at Hanham is up for sale. As a relative newcomer to Hanham, it has been my local for a number of years. The staff have always been friendly and helpful and the meals more than adequate taking into consideration the extremely reasonable prices. It has also meant I have been able to walk from home at least three times a week into a relaxing and cosy atmosphere. However, more than all of this and which I find most upsetting is the fact that being a pensioner,
Criticism of XR Dear Editor If Bristol Airport`s expansion is stopped, what about the extra vehicle miles and emissions driving to other distant airports? Flying is like sex - you are not going to stop it. It is because of the disruption and ill-mannered attitude of Extinction Rebellion (XR), as well as their ‘We are right’ attitude, that I will never agree with anything they try to portray. Do they ever stop and think they are wrong? Do they never think carrot, rather than stick? Roger Tilley Oldland Common
a real ale enjoyed with my new-found group of Wetherspoon’s buddies has been a highlight of my day at least three times a week. Without The Jolly Sailor enabling us to chew the cud and put the world to rights, we are more likely to languish in front of the television set, real ale in one hand and remote control in the other.
Cars bother me, not pigeons Dear Editor I was amazed to read in last week’s issue that Cllr Andy Wait is disturbed by the sound of pigeons in Keynsham. Personally I’m disturbed by the numbers and noise of all of the cars. As for his ‘advice’, I make a point of feeding our feathered friends. Like politicians - even minor league one – they are all God’s creatures. A bird lover of the town
Common and Cadbury Heath areas. As a user of
could be built in a similar way, see below:
the services 42, 43, 44 and 45 it is becoming
The Thames barrier is shown on the left. It has
more difficult to get a bus home as they are
gates which rotate upwards from the seabed, like
either full or cancelled.
a gas valve.
Listening to other passengers, who have perhaps more of a grievance as they only can use one of the services, I am interested in what your plans to rectify the issue are. Additionally, I had a monthly pass, purchased pre-pandemic, which was kindly extended as most of my work now takes place at home; unfortunately your customer service team were unable to split the ticket into four weekly passes.
For a tidal power barrage, these would be
As such I will lose one week’s worth of the
replaced by breast-shot water wheels, which are
ticket as an opportunity arose to work in the
much cheaper than the Kaplan turbines at La
office for three weeks.
Rance, and also do not harm the fish.
S Nash
I recently published (in Vol A474 of the Proceedings of the Royal Society) some
Thoughts on harnessing tidal power
hydraulic and structural calculations for a steel
Dear Editor
in the Atkins-designed Beatrice offshore wind
I read the article on tidal power in Issue 749
farm in Scotland. Per unit of energy generated
from the Severn with great interest. Prior to my
annually, it is about one third of the latter. Since
retirement, I worked in this field for nearly 40
steel fabrication costs are roughly proportional
years at Atkins, the civil engineers. The
to steel weight, it looks economic.
Government studies on the Severn Barrage
Rod Rainey FREng
barrage of this design, for the Severn estuary. I compare the weight of steel required with that
cover all the easy aspects in great detail, but are silent on a very important question: how to build
Write to us
it?
Pigeon invasion
Below is a cross-section of the French tidal
The Week In is independent of any political or
Dear Editor
power barrage at La Rance, built in the 1960s.
commercial interest.
In response to Cllr Wait’s letter in last week’s
It is concrete, with foundations like a building.
balanced and accurate view of local news and
My partner also enjoys the community spirit
issue, I counted 1,000 pigeons on just two house
A temporary coffer dam was built to allow
welcome comments from our readers. Normally,
engendered at Wetherspoon’s at Hanham. Many
roofs in Lytes Cary Road in Keynsham in the
construction as if it were on dry land. It is a very
we will publish letters in full but reserve the right
groups of women, old and young, meet there for
first week in October.
nice barrage, but it was so expensive that the
to shorten or clarify the contents or to refuse
morning coffee as well as lunches and evening
David Whalley
French have not built any more.
publication. Please try to keep letters under 300
meals, many after attending classes at Hanham
Keynsham
words and supply your full name and address for
Community Centre. Also local families, from grandparents to grandchildren, regularly use the
We aim to produce a
reasons of authentication. Only the name and district where you live will be reproduced.
I hope locals will protest at the closure, as well
Concern over bus services 42, 43, 44 & 45
as local businesses as without this centre of
Dear Editor
community life in Hanham, many of them will
I have written the following to Doug
Copy can be sent by post or, preferably, e-
also find footfall diminishing and the heart of
Claringbold, MD of First Bus:
mail and should arrive at our offices no
Hanham lost forever.
I am writing with concerns over the current state
It is cheaper to build in steel, like the Thames
later than 9.00am on the Monday of each
David Kanehl
of buses serving the Kingswood/Oldland
Barrier, built in the 1980s. A tidal power barrage
week. E-mail to:admin@theweekin.co.uk
public house as a central meeting place.
8
Anonymity
is
possible
under
certain
circumstances.
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
How the cost of living crisis is impacting cancer sufferers Journalism student Kamui Oshino, who spent time over the summer working at The Week In, was on Radio 1’s Newsbeat show last week talking as a young cancer patient about the cost of living crisis. Both Macmillan Cancer Support and Young Lives vs Cancer say they have seen dramatic increases in the number of people asking for emergency grants as they struggle to pay basic living costs. Kamui, 20, who is studying at the University of the West of England in Bristol, was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma last December. They told Newsbeat: “Being someone who had to have steroids, that crushes your cancer and gets rids of it, I had to eat absolutely all the time, but obviously the price of food is going up. Being a university student, I couldn’t afford that and my family does not make a lot of money.” Continuing the links with The Week In that they made during
their internship, Kamui has also written for us about the cost-of-living crisis. They said: “With inflation on the rise, people who have been affected by cancer have seen huge increases in prices with no options to make up the difference in money. “Charities supporting young people, such as Young Lives vs Cancer, have said families could now be spending upwards of £730 extra per month. They have also seen a sharp increase in people seeking lifeline grants from the charity. “Young Lives commented on this saying that there is not enough in place from the Government to help them aid enough people. “As someone who has had cancer during the cost of living crisis I myself have incurred these extra costs. With food, bills
Fundraising event
Crime in Keynsham
Farmborough’s annual Craft and Gift Fayre will be held on Saturday (15th October) at the Memorial Hall from 10.30am to 4pm. Anita Eatherden, one of the organisers, said: “We are having our usual cake stall, with all profits going to ‘Forever Friends’ at the Royal United Hospital and a huge thank you to those who are making cakes. We do hope you will come and buy them. “We are known for our excellent refreshments and we would love to see you at our Craft and Gift Fayre which is held to raise funds to keep the Memorial Hall the lovely hall we think it is.”
Power tools were stolen after thieves got into a vehicle parked on Hercules Way in Keynsham during the night of Friday 16th September. Someone smashed a car’s rear window on Tiberius Road in the town between 8am and 1.15pm on Wednesday 21st September. And the back door frame of a home on Tintagel Close in Keynsham was twisted by offenders kicking it on Friday 30th September. If you have any information about any of these incidents call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Sudoku 1-Easy
Kamui Oshino
and travel expenses increasing, many people affected by cancer are struggling to survive as many are too ill to work. Hospitals recommend that people slowly ease back into work months after entering remission, but with the cost of living so high, this is an impossible reality for many recovering from cancer. “I had to move back into independent living and go back to my university degree in a matter of weeks finishing treatment in order to keep up my with studies and pass my course, something which led me to becoming more ill and unable to work at times from burning out physically and mentally. “And from what charities have seen, many young people especially recovering from cancer, are having to earn money and return to work quicker than their body will allow them to from lack of additional funding and help from the Government.” • Find out more about what support is available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-andsupport https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/
SUNDAY CHEMISTS Sunday 16th October
2 -Hard
Boots, Gallagher Retail Park, Longwell Green (10.30am-4pm) Asda, Longwell Green (10am-4pm) Boots, Emersons Green Retail Park (10.30am-4.30pm) Sainsbury’s, Emersons Green Retail Park (9.30am-4.30pm) Keynsham Pharmacy, 15 Station Road, BS31 2BH (10am-4pm) Tesco, Callington Road, Brislington (10am to 4pm) Morrisons, 688-718 Fishponds Road, Fishponds (10am-4pm) Boots, Avonmeads Retail Park, St Philips Causeway (11am-5pm)
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
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Hundreds join mass wildflower planting Hundreds of volunteers came together on Siston Common in Kingswood on the first Saturday of October to plant more than 7,000 wildflower plants into a new meadow created by South Gloucestershire Council. It marked the start of the Commons Connections project, a £1.26m project to increase, improve and better connect important habitats across South Gloucestershire for nature that will also include planting more than 6,000 new trees to help address biodiversity decline. The day of events included not just the planting, but activities for children and the whole community in and around the Kingsmeadow@Made Forever Community Hub. The Friends of Siston Common took people on nature tours to showcase the local habitats and the variety of plant life the area already hosts. Toby Savage, council leader and lead for climate action, and Steve Reade, the cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and environment, joined the event. Cllr Reade said: “It was wonderful to meet locals, young and old, who wanted to give up their time to contribute to their
Cllr Steve Reade with Max & Kady Stuart
area. We are so grateful to the Friends of Siston Common, Made Forever, Grow Wilder and Avon Wildlife Trust’s team
and volunteers, and AEK-BOCO Football Club who donated their time to make the day a success.”
Petition demands safer cycling lanes for Bristol A petition has been started calling on the city council to make Bristol a place where anyone feels safe to cycle. It has already been signed by more than 2,380 people. Bristol Cycling Campaign’s ePetition calls for the completion and publication of an updated Bristol Cycling Delivery Plan to include a comprehensive network of protected cycle lanes connecting all parts of the city. “It should state that existing cycle lanes must not be
removed (as has recently occurred on Cheltenham Road and is threatened on Whiteladies Road), but that they are upgraded to current national standards and are made continuous, so that they are inclusive, accessible and safe for use.” Ian Pond, who has started the ePetition on the council’s website, adds: “The delivery plan should include a strategic city-wide approach to secure cycle parking
both in residential areas (cycle hangars) and at transportation hubs and destinations to contain the rampant bike theft that is occurring. Additionally, it should include schemes to increase cycling participation like cycle training, safe cycle routes to schools and a cycle loan programme.” The ePetition – at https://tinyurl.com/29td7kp8 - is open until 7th November.
Felicity Park
Crossword
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Branch of mathematics (8)
2. Female relative (4)
6. Absent (4)
4. Cavalryman (6)
8. Is able to (3)
5. Wound mark (4)
9. Badge (8)
6. African nation (6)
10. Shine intensely (4)
7. Nuclear (6)
12. Later on (5)
11. Era (5)
14. Panache (5)
12. Boring tool (5)
17. In addition (4)
13. Souvenir (5)
18. Trust (8)
14. Healthy (3)
20. Climbing plant (8)
15. Irritate (5)
24. A few (4)
16. Regenerate (5)
25. Wading bird (5)
19. Forbid (3)
26. Wary (5)
21. Papal emissary (6)
29. Aspect (4)
22. Instant (6)
30. Wind instrument (8)
23. Ferocious (6)
31. Mesh (3) 32. Dense fabric (4)
3. Bosses (6)
24. Consecutive (6) 27. Deeds (4) 28. Flowerless plant (4)
33. British currency (8)
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The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
Keynsham Eco Festival 2022 gets under way Keynsham Eco Festival, hosted by Keynsham and Saltford Churches Together, returns this week to showcase positive and practical responses to the ongoing climate, food, and energy crisis. Getting under way today (Wednesday) and running until Sunday, the series of inspiring events, workshops, talks and discussions aims to raise awareness, offer practical help and explore ways that people collectively can address community and global environmental challenges. The main event, taking place on Saturday from 10am to 3pm, will feature an eco market in Market Walk and The Great Keynsham Eco Bake Off, judged by Giuseppe Dell’Anno, winner of The Great
British Bake Off 2021, who lives in Saltford. The theme is Our Wonderful World and the cakes will be made using LOAF ingredients (local/organic/animal friendly/fairtrade).
Hedgerows; and Active Hope with activist Vicki Youdan. There will also be special church services and a panel discussion and Q&A. All workshops and activities, which are free
Also on Saturday there will be an eco challenge exhibition at Keynsham Methodist Church by Two Rivers Primary School, and Keynsham Repair Café will be at the Baptist Church from 10am to noon. Workshops throughout the week include More Taste Less Waste with local nutritionist Trisha Lahner; Eat the Rainbow with nutrition and lifestyle coach Jasmine Stevens Wong; Growing Food in Small Spaces with Trevor James and Chris Lawrence; Foraging for Beginners with local producer Heavenly
to attend, have been funded by the Keynsham Local Cultural Programme and Keynsham Town Council. Some require a ticket. For more information visit https://www.hikeynsham.co.uk/event/ keynsham-eco-festival-2022/
Councillors’ no show branded ‘disappointing’ No South Gloucestershire councillors attended a community meeting last week that was giving residents the chance to raise issues with them. The Downend, Emersons Green & Frenchay Community Engagement Forum, organised by South Gloucestershire Council, was held online last Tuesday evening and not one of the six district councillors attended. Three councillors represent Downend and Frenchay and three represent Emersons Green. One of them - Emersons Green
councillor Judy Adams – did send her apologies. Police representatives attended the meeting, as did a parish councillor who represents Frenchay. The forum’s chair Simon Kempster said it was “disappointing” that none of the district councillors had attended. The community engagement officer said she would feed that back. There are 14 Community Engagement Forums around South Gloucestershire, each meeting three times a year.
Giuseppe Dell’Anno
Bridge reopens with 18-tonne weight limit Cleveland Bridge in Bath has reopened to two-way traffic – albeit with an 18-tonne weight limit in place – after over a year of repair work. ANPR cameras have been installed to capture any vehicles breaching the limit. The diversion route remains via the A4174 Ring Road in South Gloucestershire, Keynsham bypass and A4 through Saltford. A temporary 18-tonne weight limit had
been in place before the closure of the 200year-old Grade II* listed bridge which is a crucial link in the road network between the A46 and A36. It was initially expected that the bridge would be closed for 12 weeks but the project over-ran. If monitoring shows there are no issues, the bridge could technically and safely open to normal traffic loads of 44 tonnes.
Kitchen fires in Brislington Avon Fire & Rescue crews were called out to tackle two fires in Brislington last week with one person having to be rescued from a blaze in a block of flats. Just before 11pm on Tuesday, crews from Hicks Gate and Bedminster fire stations were called to reports of a smell of burning in the three-storey block in Wyndham Crescent Firefighters tackled the small fire and one person was assessed by crews for smoke inhalation. No ambulance was required.
Crews also used thermal imaging cameras and a positive pressure ventilation fan for smoke clearance. The cause of the fire was thought to have been accidental ignition due to cooking. The following afternoon at nearby Eastwood Crescent, crews from Hicks Gate, Bedminster and Temple fire stations were called to a small house fire. Again the cause was thought to have been accidental ignition, with the fire starting in the kitchen.
Keep in touch, let us know what you think, send us your news www.facebook.com/theweekin The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
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Investigation finds Hanham wedding venue is operating legally Despite concerns expressed at last month’s Hanham Abbots Parish Council meeting, the wedding venue business at Bickley Farm is operating within lawful permitted development rights. In Issue 747 we highlighted confusion that weddings were being held at the farm in Abbots Road despite a planning application for change of use being refused by South Gloucestershire Council in 2020. At the time of the decision, the council said the case put forward for very special circumstances to allow development in the Green Belt wasn’t very special, nor outweighed the harm. It was also considered that the change of use would
New gym approved South Gloucestershire Council has granted a certificate of lawfulness for the change of use of the recently closed Original Factory Shop in Broad Street in Staple Hill into a 24-hour gym. Seventeen comments of objection were received with concerns including that too many shops are being lost and that a 24-jour gym in a residential area will cause disturbance. Nine comments of support were received.
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harm Hanham Abbots Conservation Area and that not enough information had been supplied to decide whether the proposal would have a prejudicial noise impact on neighbours, or a severe impact on local roads. Owner Graham New invited a planning enforcement officer from South Gloucestershire Council to visit the farm last week who has established that there has not been a breach of planning control. This is because regardless of the planning application being refused, the permitted development right to temporarily use the land for up to 28 days for purposes other than the lawful agricultural use still applies, and ‘Bickley Barns’ has the right to advertise the farm as a wedding venue. This right applies only to open land, and not to buildings or land that falls within the curtilage of a building. The planning enforcement officer told Mr New: “The conclusion of my assessment is that the permitted development right would apply, because the land used for the weddings (including the marquee) is not the curtilage of any of the buildings, and none of the buildings is used for any aspect of the weddings. This conclusion is based upon what I saw, and what you told me about the operation of the weddings. “As a consequence, provided that you limit all associated activity on the land to no more than the 28 days in any
calendar year, then this would not constitute a breach of planning control. As I have no evidence that you have gone beyond the 28 days limit, I have no grounds to conclude that any breach of planning control has occurred.” The 28-day period includes the setting up and taking down of any structures or decorations. Mr New told us he had attended Hanham Abbots Parish Council’s meeting last Tuesday to ask the chairman to consider how he would address “speculative, reckless and unsubstantiated remarks from members of the council to avoid reputational damage to any person or business in the future”. The parish council this week told us it would respond as soon as the matter has been discussed.
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
Situations Vacant
More drivers mean better bus services There are jobs for around 200 bus drivers and if we find them,
Combined Authority helping local bus companies target new would-
people will enjoy better services. That’s the message from Metro
be drivers. Emphasis is also being placed on recruiting more women
Mayor Dan Norris as he prepares to launch a region-wide
and people from ethnic minorities, who are currently
recruitment campaign.
underrepresented in the industry, to consider driving a bus.
The recruitment drive is being funded by the West of England
Mr Norris said: “Sorting the driver shortage is a vital step to fix the bus network. Do you or someone you know fancy a career change? Then why not become a bus driver? Your community needs your
South Gloucestershire Over 50’s Forum
skills to get vital buses moving.”
Are you keen to make a difference? Development Worker 20 hours per week Starting salary £15 per hour The Forum was established nearly 30 years go to ensure the voices of people in later life are not ignored. Now the Forum wishes to employ its first Co-ordinator to run the organisation.
Show gets down to business The South Gloucestershire Business Show 2022 will be held on 9th and 10th November. The first show was held at the Bristol & Bath Science Park at
Vacancy to fill?
Emersons Green in 2017 and missed a year in 2020 due to the
If you are looking for a new opportunity to engage with people over 50 across the South Glos area and make a difference please find out more by visiting our website:
pandemic. For 2022 it moves to the University of the West of England (UWE). Billed as a festival of business and innovation, it will take place at Enterprise 1 at the Frenchay campus.
www.southglosover50sforum.org.uk
The show is aimed at all businesses, from start-ups and micros, small
or ring our Chair on 079677102141
to medium-sized enterprises, corporates and multinationals. There
Closing date : 31st October 2022 A registered charity supported by South Glos Council
The Week in • Wednesday 12th October 2022
will be talks, workshops and the chance to make new connections. Visit https://www.business-shows.co.uk/south-gloucestershire/
Advertising in The Week In is an effective and low cost option.
Call Tracy on
0117 986 0381
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Carrying the baton for climate action The longest relay ever attempted which will be crossing 18 countries in the lead-up to the COP27 climate summit - came through Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath last Thursday. Running Out of Time is delivering a message from young people to the decision-makers at COP27. Thousands of runners, cyclists and sailors are taking part in the epic 7,767 km non-stop relay from Scotland to Egypt. It began in Glasgow, which hosted COP26, on the last day of September and is due to arrive in Sharm el-Sheikh in time for the start of COP27 on 6th November. After relay handovers in Almondsbury
and at Bristol locations including Windmill Hill City Farm and Ecologi near Temple Meads last Thursday, Stage 131 saw the baton carried to Bitton Station via Brislington and Crews Hole,
The baton at Bitton Station Picture credit: Sandi Cole
Hanham, Longwell Green and Willsbridge. At Avon Valley Railway at Bitton the baton was handed on for its journey along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path to Bath. The message in the baton demands quality climate education for all so that people have the skills, knowledge and opportunities to build sustainable, climate resilient communities. Follow the baton’s progress at https://running-out-of-time.com/uk
Sudoku Solutions 1-Easy 4 9 1 7 5 3 6 8 2
2 3 6 8 4 1 7 5 9
8 7 5 9 6 2 4 1 3
1 6 7 4 3 5 9 2 8
Crossword Solution
2-Hard 5 8 9 2 1 7 3 6 4
3 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 1
9 5 8 1 7 4 2 3 6
6 4 3 5 2 8 1 9 7
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 4 5
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